But aren't the number of foodbanks and other supplements to welfare
growing? Are the rules for eligibility more stringent?
Cheers, Ken Hanly
I don't know how or if the # of foodbanks has
changed.
Eligibility rules are now left to the states,
and caseload has gone down over 40% since before
the 'reform.' As important as the rules for
eligibility are those for sanctions, which is
one way people leave the caseload. These also
are up to the states.
It is possible that some supplements have grown
alongside the shrinkage of 'welfare' (TANF,
formerly AFDC). The EITC has definitely grown.
Some states such as Wisconsin (which has reduced
its caseload more than any other state) may have
expanded some social services like child care.
The common element to expansions is that they
tend to be conditional on work.
The new paradigm means work in the home, particularly
child care, is disadvantaged relative to other work.
The main handle on this, as Randy Albelda pointed out
in her talk at the AEA meetings, is family leave
policy. Paid family leave is a way to subsidize
work in the home. The Clinton Administration deserves
some credit for opening this crack in the wall.
mbs
